Starting from $16,595

This is a truly epic adventure through the remote Falkland Islands, the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the extraordinary landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll enjoy unforgettable encounters with untamed wildlife in a vast, dramatic and spectacular setting; you’ll take a step back in time at historically significant sites, and you’ll be mesmerized by the rich diversity and contrasts that make these regions so captivating and unique.

Rates & Dates Prices are per person and shown in USD.

Itinerary

Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia offers you a small-town feel but has many shops, museums, cafes and restaurants to enjoy before your voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby national park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of hiking and outdoor activities.

Day 2: Embarkation Day

As we embark, the anticipation and excitement grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship. As every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, Embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. They’re onboard to ensure your comfort and safety, as well as help make your wildlife dreams come true.

Day 3: At Sea

There are many activities to keep you engaged while we’re at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship or attend illustrated presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on procedures for your Zodiac cruises and shore landings as well as be given instructions for getting the most out of your upcoming kayaking opportunities.

Day 4-5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Upon arrival in this archipelago your cameras will get their first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of these remote islands. The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings.

Port Stanley is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with an eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore the town, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit numerous churches and museums.

In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to a variety of penguin species, including Magellanic, Gentoo and Rockhopper. If lucky, you may spot King Penguins here as well! We can also expect to see Black-browed Albatross and many other bird species around the islands, including an opportunity to see the two endemic species; Cobb’s Wren and the Falklands flightless steamer duck. Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you get the most of a memorable time in the Falklands.

Day 6-7: At Sea

Sailing south, we’ll enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica – the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold, northward-flowing Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and microscopic marine life that attracts whales and other species to this part of the world. Ship staff will be sure to keep you posted when we cross this invisible, yet important line.

Day 8-11: South Georgia

This remote outpost has long been a centre for exploratory expeditions and commercial exploitation. Many of these original inhabitants arrived to the island to hunt whales and elephant seals. Populations were once decimated, but thankfully populations have rebounded and whaling and sealing ceases to exist today. You will see many remnants of these past activities; including several whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.

One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, the museum and a small gift shop and church and a research station of approximately 20 scientists and support personnel.

While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your shipmates will likely find the most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. Each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife.

One day you may see rookeries with thousands of King Penguins waddling on the beach. Another day could take us to a beach with jousting elephant or fur seal beachmasters fighting to retain their harems.The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species, something that your Expedition Team will be pleased to tell you about during your excursions on this impressive and unique island.

Day 12-13: At Sea

Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with seminars from your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will be greeting you upon your arrival in Antarctica. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.

Day 14-17: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction to arriving at the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica.

You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.

Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Curious whales, such as minkes, are often attracted to our Zodiacs, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and every landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.

As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional (extra cost) kayaking excursion or going for a swim in Antarctic waters!

Day 18-19: Crossing the Drake

After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, which will complete your Antarctic adventure.

Enjoy some final moments mingling with your fellow travelers. The noisy, busy, populated world awaits your return, so savor the silence of the sea as long as you can.

Day 20: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be transferred to town.

The ship's “open bridge policy” allows observation of its sophisticated navigation equipment and provides an excellent location to view wildlife the landscape (subject to weather and critical navigation maneuvers)

Expert lecturers and naturalist guides

Included

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping

All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board

Beer and wine served with dinner

Soft drinks included at all time

All shore landings per the daily program

Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader

All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program

Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled

Photographic journal documenting the expedition

Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings

An official expedition parka to keep

Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin

Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

All luggage handling aboard ship

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person

Group transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1

One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast

Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day

Group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport

Adventure Options

Kayaking: $995

Paddling: $225

Only available on the February 2020 departure

Camping: $295

Only available on the December 2019 departure

Stand Up Paddleboard: $225

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, ice conditions, natural and cultural events, wildlife viewing opportunities and other logistical considerations. In general, a ship's crew will endeavor to complete the itinerary provided, but the ultimate decision lies with the ship's captain and expedition leaders.